EP1626021B1 - Système de centrage de bande - Google Patents

Système de centrage de bande Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1626021B1
EP1626021B1 EP05077166A EP05077166A EP1626021B1 EP 1626021 B1 EP1626021 B1 EP 1626021B1 EP 05077166 A EP05077166 A EP 05077166A EP 05077166 A EP05077166 A EP 05077166A EP 1626021 B1 EP1626021 B1 EP 1626021B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
packaging machine
tracking
fill
assembly
web
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP05077166A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1626021A3 (fr
EP1626021A2 (fr
Inventor
Josef Schmidt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Baxter International Inc
Original Assignee
Baxter International Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Baxter International Inc filed Critical Baxter International Inc
Publication of EP1626021A2 publication Critical patent/EP1626021A2/fr
Publication of EP1626021A3 publication Critical patent/EP1626021A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1626021B1 publication Critical patent/EP1626021B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H23/00—Registering, tensioning, smoothing or guiding webs
    • B65H23/02—Registering, tensioning, smoothing or guiding webs transversely
    • B65H23/032—Controlling transverse register of web
    • B65H23/038—Controlling transverse register of web by rollers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/30—Orientation, displacement, position of the handled material
    • B65H2301/31—Features of transport path
    • B65H2301/311—Features of transport path for transport path in plane of handled material, e.g. geometry
    • B65H2301/31124—U-shaped
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
    • B65H2404/10—Rollers
    • B65H2404/15—Roller assembly, particular roller arrangement
    • B65H2404/152—Arrangement of roller on a movable frame
    • B65H2404/1521—Arrangement of roller on a movable frame rotating, pivoting or oscillating around an axis, e.g. parallel to the roller axis
    • B65H2404/15212—Arrangement of roller on a movable frame rotating, pivoting or oscillating around an axis, e.g. parallel to the roller axis rotating, pivoting or oscillating around an axis perpendicular to the roller axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2801/00—Application field
    • B65H2801/69—Form fill-and-seal machines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a mechanism for adjusting the direction of a web of material in a packaging machine, and more specifically to an assembly for centering or tracking a web of film in an aseptic environment of a form-fill-seal packaging machine.
  • Form-fill-seal packaging machines are typically utilized to package a product in a flexible container.
  • form-fill-seal packaging machines are used to seal pharmaceuticals, foods, liquids, magazines, cosmetics, pre-boxed goods, and numerous other items in flexible containers.
  • the form-fill-seal packaging machine provides an apparatus for packaging these and many other products in an inexpensive and efficient manner.
  • the post-packaging step includes placing the sealed package containing the pharmaceutical in an autoclave and steam sterilizing or heating the package and its contents to a required temperature, which is often approximately 121° C (250 °F), for a prescribed period of time.
  • This sterilization step operates to kill bacteria and other contaminants found inside the package, whether on the inner layer of film or within the pharmaceutical itself.
  • Certain packaged pharmaceuticals cannot be sterilized in such a manner. This is because the intense heat required to kill the bacteria in the autoclaving process destroys or renders useless certain pharmaceuticals. As such, a different method of sterilization must be employed when packaging these types of pharmaceuticals.
  • One method of packaging heat sensitive pharmaceuticals is to first sterilize the pharmaceutical with a means other than intense heat, often through filtering, and then to package the pharmaceutical in an aseptic environment.
  • Web tracking assemblies utilized in conventional form-fill-seal packaging machines are generally not suitable for use in an aseptic environment.
  • two conventional web tracking means are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,680,446 , issued to James et al., and U.S. Patent No. 5,833,106 , issued to Harris.
  • the '446 patent issued to James et al. discloses a tracking system including a shiftable web guide roller having adjustable air cylinders mounted at its opposite ends for independently adjusting the ends of the roller (see Fig. 1 of the '446 patent).
  • the '106 patent issued to Harris discloses an equalizing roll utilizing a common-axis shaft mounted horizontally on two bearings at its end for support, and a roller or sleeve mounted on the shaft.
  • the sleeve has a single bearing mounted in the center of the sleeve with convex and concave portions that allows the sleeve to laterally rotate on the central bearing (see Fig. 5 of the '106 patent).
  • Such web tracking devices of the '446 and '106 patents are likely not appropriate for aseptic environments because of the number of moving parts and the areas for gathering particulate bacteria matter.
  • US-A-2,821,387 discloses a method for varying the sidelay of a moving web.
  • a tracking mechanism for a form-fill-seal packaging machine according to claim 1 a form-fill-seal packaging machine according to claim 12, and a method for producing a container for holding a pharmaceutical according to claim 18.
  • the web-centering apparatus disclosed herein comprises an assembly for tracking a web of material within an internal aseptic area of a form-fill-seal packaging machine.
  • the web-centering apparatus comprises a support member, a tracking assembly, and an alignment mechanism. While the web-centering apparatus is located within the aseptic area of the packaging machine, certain components of the web-centering assembly are sealed off from the aseptic area in order to maintain the integrity of the aseptic environment.
  • the packaging machine may have a former, a filler and a sealer located within the internal aseptic area of the packaging machine.
  • the former forms bags from a web of material; the filler fills the bags with a substance; and, the sealer seals the bags to enclose the substance within the bags.
  • the support member is fixed to the form-fill-seal packaging machine within an interior aseptic environment of the form-fill-seal packaging machine, and the tracking assembly is rotatedly mounted to the support member in the aseptic environment of the form-fill-seal packaging machine.
  • one of either the support member or the tracking assembly may have a shaft member depending therefrom, and the other of either the support member or the tracking assembly has an engaging receptacle for the shaft member.
  • the shaft member is seated in the engaging receptacle and pivots within the engaging receptacle. The pivoting of the shaft member provides angular displacement of the tracking assembly.
  • an engagement surface of each of the shaft member and the receptacle is sealed off from the aseptic environment of the form-fill-seal packaging machine.
  • a portion of the engaging surfaces between the shaft member and the receptacle are sealed off from the internal aseptic environment of the form-fill-seal packaging machine with a first gasket.
  • a second gasket member seals off a second end of the receptacle.
  • the web tracking apparatus has a bearing surface between the pivot shaft and the receptacle.
  • the bearing surface is sealed off from the aseptic environment with gaskets.
  • the tracking assembly comprises an engaging member and a roller member connected to the engaging member.
  • the roller member is adapted to contact the web of material, and the engaging member pivots about the support member.
  • the tracking assembly is positioned at an angle with respect to the support member.
  • the angle of the tracking assembly is modified when the tracking assembly is pivoted about the support member. Modification of the angle of the tracking assembly adjusts the flow path of the web of material.
  • the alignment mechanism comprises a first adjustment member, a mating second adjustment member, and an operator shaft.
  • the first adjustment member is connected to the operator shaft, the second adjustment member is fixed to the tracking assembly, and the first and second adjustment members engage each other.
  • the operator shaft controls any movement of the first adjustment member. Through movement of the first adjustment member, which engages the second adjustment member, the tracking assembly is pivoted.
  • the first adjustment member comprises a worm gear connected to the operator shaft
  • the second adjustment member comprises a mating spur gear fixed to the tracking assembly.
  • the spur gear is driven by the worm gear to effectuate pivotal rotation of the tracking assembly about the support member.
  • a clutch mechanism is removably connected to the alignment mechanism.
  • the clutch mechanism engages the operator shaft and allows an operator outside of the aseptic interior environment of the form-fill-seal packaging machine to rotate the operator shaft and pivot the tracking assembly to adjust the tracking of the web of material.
  • the roller member of the tracking assembly comprises a shaft and a roller.
  • the shaft is secured to the engaging member, and the roller is capable of rotating about the shaft.
  • the roller member pivots with the tracking assembly about the support member when the tracking assembly is pivoted thereabout. Further, the roller member contacts the web of material.
  • the tracking mechanism is located in the internal aseptic area of the packaging machine immediately upstream of the former.
  • the tracking mechanism contacts the web of material and pivots within the aseptic area of the packaging machine.
  • the tracking mechanism is connected to an external control unit that controls the pivoting of the tracking mechanism. And, the pivoting of the tracking mechanism alters an angle of contact between the tracking mechanism and the web of material to center the web of material entering the former.
  • a container for holding a pharmaceutical which may be manufactured in an aseptic form-fill-seal packaging machine having a web centering system in accordance with the present invention.
  • a web centering system made in accordance with the present invention provides an inexpensive, easily manufactured, and efficient assembly which eliminates the drawbacks associated with aseptic form-fill-seal packaging machines.
  • the aseptic form-fill-seal packaging machine 10 generally includes an unwind section 14, a film sterilizing section 16, a film drying section (17), an idler roller/dancer roller section 18, a nipped drive roller assembly section (not shown), a fitment attaching assembly section (20), a forming assembly section 24, a fin seal assembly section (25), a filling assembly section (26), an end sealing/cutting assembly section 30, and a delivery section (not shown).
  • Each of these assemblies downstream of the unwind section 14 is contained within the internal aseptic environment of the form-fill-seal packaging machine 10.
  • the forming assembly 24 is provided to form tubes from the web of material that ultimately becomes the flexible container or bag 28;
  • the fin seal assembly 25 provides the longitudinal seal on the flexible container, thereby longitudinally sealing the formed tube;
  • the filling assembly 26 includes a filler that fills the flexible containers with a substance, that being a liquid pharmaceutical in the present preferred application;
  • the end sealing/cutting assembly 30 contains a cutting and sealing head that seals the ends of the flexible containers to enclose the filled substance within the flexible container.
  • the web tracking or centering apparatus 12 comprises a support assembly 34, a tracking assembly 36, and an alignment mechanism 38.
  • the web tracking apparatus 12 is provided to be assembled and operational within an existing internal aseptic area of an aseptic packaging machine 10.
  • the web tracking apparatus 12 is located in the aseptic area immediately upstream of the former assembly 24 to provide the most effective tracking for the web of film as it enters the former.
  • the support assembly 34 of the present invention comprises a support member 40 which is internally fixed within the internal aseptic area of the form-fill-seal packaging machine 10.
  • the support member 40 is a "V" shaped stainless steel plate and is attached to a pair of side members 42 with stainless steel screws.
  • a gusset member 44 is secured to both the support member 40 and each of the side members 42, respectively, to provide additional rigidity to the support member 40.
  • the side members 42 are internally secured to the frame 50 of the packaging machine 10 with the use of two existing support shafts 46, 48 that span between the internal walls of the packaging machine frame 50.
  • the lower support shaft 46 also operates as an idler roller 52 for the film as the film enters the tracking assembly 12.
  • the support member 40 has an engaging receptacle 54 depending therefrom.
  • the receptacle 54 is a tubular member having an internal cavity 55 that is welded to the support member 40.
  • the cavity 55 is cylindrical in shape and thus has an internal diameter associated therewith.
  • the engaging receptacle 54 operates to mate with a member of the tracking assembly 36.
  • the tracking assembly 36 of the web centering apparatus 10 is rotatedly mounted to the support member 40, and generally comprises an engaging member 56, and a roller member 58 depending from the engaging member 56.
  • the engaging member 56 is generally a stainless steel plate.
  • the engaging member 56 has four arms 60a-60d in the form of an "X" shape (see Figure 3 ).
  • the preferred embodiment of the engaging member 56 also has two apertures 62 through the body of the engaging member 56.
  • the arms 60a-60d and the apertures 62 allow for decreased surface area and increased air flow about the tracking assembly 36 during the hydrogen peroxide fog sterilization process for the internal aseptic area of the packaging machine. Without the allowance for such air flow capabilities, either contaminants may remain in the aseptic area after sterilization, or an absolute cleansing of the hydrogen peroxide remnants may not be possible in a timely manner.
  • first and second roller members 58a, 58b are utilized.
  • the roller members 58 are adapted to contact the web of material, and are also identified as contact members 58. While in the preferred embodiment the roller members 58 spin about the shaft 64, it is understood that the roller members 58 may be stationary members, and in fact do not have to have a circular cross-section. A piece of flat stock or any other geometric member that can contact the web of material is understood to be within the meaning of a roller member 58 of the present invention.
  • the first roller member 58a is connected to the engaging member 56 adjacent a first end of the engaging member 56
  • the second roller member 58b is connected to the engaging member 56 adjacent a second end of the engaging member 56.
  • Each roller member 58a, 58b comprises a shaft 64 and a roller 66.
  • the roller 66 is capable of rotating about the shaft 64 through the use of plastic bushings.
  • the plastic bushings are non-lubricated and are capable of withstanding the corrosive elements of hydrogen peroxide during the daily sanitization process. Additionally, the plastic bushings are open to allow the hydrogen peroxide fog to enter all of the areas for cleaning.
  • the shaft 64 is secured to a roller support 68 at each end of the shaft 64 with set screws.
  • roller supports 68 depend from and are secured to the engaging member 56 at approximately the end of each arm 60a-60d of the engaging member 56, respectively (see Figure 3 ).
  • the roller supports 68 secure the roller members 58a,58b to the engaging member 56. While the use of two roller members 58 provides increased tracking capabilities for the web, it has been found that one roller member 58 may suffice.
  • both roller members 58a, 58b of the present invention pivot or rotate simultaneously with the engaging member 56.
  • both a first upstream roller and a second downstream roller are utilized to track the film.
  • the web-centering apparatus 12 is located in-line with the web of film material as it passes through the form-fill-seal packaging machine 10. Further, the web-centering apparatus pivots substantially about a centerline of the packaging machine, the centerline of he packaging machine approximately being a centerline of the web of film material being fed into the former.
  • the engaging member 56 has a shaft member 70 depending from the bottom of the engaging member 56.
  • the shaft member 70 operates as a first rotating member 70.
  • the shaft member 70 is a cylindrical member made of stainless steel round stock that is welded to the engaging member 56.
  • a projection 72 extends from the engaging member 56.
  • the projection 72 extends the bottom surface of the engaging member 56 upward a distance from the generally planar bottom surface of the engaging member 56.
  • Figure 4 illustrates that the projection 72 further creates a cavity within the engaging member 56.
  • the projection 72 of the preferred embodiment is manufactured utilizing a cylindrical member 72 welded to the planar surface of the engaging member 56.
  • the cylindrical member 72 has an internal diameter.
  • the shaft member 70 depends from the bottom of the projection 72 and partially extends within the cavity of the projection 72.
  • a cylindrical gap 74 extends between the shaft member 70 and the internal wall of the projection 72.
  • the shaft member 70 depends from the engaging member 56, and the engaging receptacle 54 depends from the support member 40. Conversely, however, the shaft member 70 may depend from the support member 40 and the engaging receptacle 54 may depend from the engaging member 56. As such, one of either the support member 40 or the tracking assembly 36 has a shaft member 70 depending therefrom, and the other of either the support member 40 or the tracking assembly 36 has an engaging receptacle 54 for the shaft member 70.
  • the tracking assembly 36 is mounted to the support assembly 34 via the shaft member 70 being seated in the engaging receptacle 54, and with the shaft member 70 being capable of pivoting within the receptacle 54.
  • Such engagement between engaging surfaces of the tracking assembly 36 and the support assembly 34 provides rotational or pivoting capabilities of the tracking assembly 36 about the support assembly 34.
  • the tracking assembly 36 is positioned at an angle ( ⁇ ) with respect to the support assembly 34.
  • the angle ( ⁇ ) of the tracking assembly 36 is modified.
  • Modification of the angle ( ⁇ ) of the tracking assembly 36 provides angular displacement of the tracking assembly 36, thereby adjusting the angle of the roller members 58 which contact the web of material, and ultimately adjusting the flow path of the web of material entering the former assembly 24 to allow the film to be centered as it enters the former assembly 24.
  • the alignment mechanism 38 controls the angle of rotation ( ⁇ ) between the support member 40 and the tracking assembly 36.
  • a plastic bushing 76 operating as a bearing surface is placed between the shaft member 70 and the inner wall of the engaging receptacle 54.
  • the bushing 76 also has a flange to properly seat and locate the surfaces between the inner wall of the cavity of the projection 72 of the engaging member 56, and a top surface of the tubular member of the receptacle 54. Because only slight movement of the tracking assembly is effectuated, a bushing is not critical, and the surfaces of the engaging receptacle and the shaft member may be manufactured to operate as bearing surfaces.
  • the engaging receptacle 54 also has a groove 78 machined in its outer diameter.
  • a first gasket member 80 is seated in the groove 78.
  • the first gasket 80 is an silicon rubber O-Ring.
  • the O-Ring 80 in the groove 78 of the engaging receptacle 54 engages the inner wall of the cavity of the projection 72 to seal a first end of the receptacle 54.
  • a portion of the mating area of the engaging surfaces between the pivot shaft 70 and the receptacle 54 adjacent a first end of the receptacle is sealed off from the internal aseptic environment of the form-fill-seal packaging machine 10.
  • a retainer 82 is secured to the shaft 70 to prevent the shaft 70 from disengaging from the receptacle 54.
  • the retainer 82 is a retaining ring. The retainer 82 vertically fixes the support assembly 34 to the tracking assembly 36, but the retainer 82 does not prevent pivotal or rotational displacement between the two assemblies.
  • a cover 84 and a second gasket member 86 are used to seal the second end of the receptacle 54.
  • the second gasket member 86 preferably made of silicon rubber, is fitted between a bottom surface of the support member 40 and the cover 84 to seal off the mating areas of the pivotal engagement surfaces between the pivot shaft 70 and a second end of the receptacle 54 from the internal aseptic environment of the form-fill-seal packaging machine 10.
  • the web tracking apparatus 12 of the present invention further comprises an alignment mechanism 38 contained within the aseptic area of the form-fill-seal packaging machine 10.
  • the alignment mechanism is connected to the tracking assembly 36 and is utilized to control and effectuate pivotal rotation of the tracking assembly 36 about the support assembly 34.
  • the alignment mechanism 38 comprises a first alignment or adjustment member 88, a mating second alignment or adjustment member 90, and a means for manipulating the first alignment member 92.
  • the alignment mechanism 38 further comprises an operator shaft 94 connected to the first adjustment member 88. As shown in Figures 2 and 6 , because of the length of the operator shaft 94 in the preferred embodiment, it is formed of two pieces connected by a coupling 96.
  • the operator shaft 94 is fixed in place with the use of shaft guides 98 and shaft collars 100, and thus is only capable of rotational movement.
  • the shaft guides 98 operate to prevent transverse movement of the operator shaft 94, while the shaft collars 100 prevent lateral movement of the operator shaft 94.
  • the rotational movement of the operator shaft 94 controls rotational movement of the first adjustment member 88.
  • the first alignment member 88 comprises a first gear member connected adjacent a distal end of the operator shaft 94.
  • the first gear member is preferably a single-threaded, 16 pitch, stainless steel precision worm gear having a lead of 5 mm (0.1963 inch) a lead angle of 5°-43', and a pressure angle of 14-1/2°.
  • the second alignment member 90 comprises a second gear member that mates with the worm gear 88.
  • the second gear member is made of from a mating spur gear having 180 teeth about its circumference, however, the spur gear utilized in the preferred embodiment is a partial spur gear of the identified gear, and only has approximately 18 of the 180 teeth.
  • the partial spur gear 90 is fixed to a bracket 96 connected to the engaging member 56 of the tracking assembly 36.
  • the first gear member 88 is manipulated by rotation of the operator shaft 94. Further, the worm gear 88 drives the spur gear 90 to effectuate rotation of the tracking assembly 36 about the support assembly 34 via the pivot shaft 70.
  • Use of a worm gear to manipulate a spur gear provides increased control and precision in adjusting the tracking assembly 36 in fine increments. This is because the ratio between the worm gear and the spur gear should be at least 100 to 1, and in the preferred embodiment is approximately 180 to 1. However, a ratio of less than 100 to 1 will not destroy the intent of the invention. Additionally, use of the worm gear in combination with the spur gear provides a positive locking mechanism that is able to overcome any force provided by the film on the roller member. As such, the film will not cause movement of the tracking assembly.
  • the alignment mechanism 38 further has a first clutch member 102 connected adjacent a proximal end of the operator shaft 94, and opposite the worm gear 88.
  • the first clutch member 102 cooperates to removably secure the alignment mechanism 38 to a controller 104 located outside the aseptic area of the form-fill-seal packaging machine.
  • the first clutch member 102 has a plurality of fingers 106 which allow it to engage the controller 104.
  • the alignment mechanism 38 is maintained within the aseptic environment and is sealed from a portion of the controller 104, which is located outside the aseptic environment.
  • the controller 104 has a knob 108, a shaft 110, a first controller gasket 112, a second controller gasket 114, a bushing 116, a second clutch member 118, and a pin 120.
  • the bushing 116 has a hollowed out cylindrical portion and a flange portion. The hollowed out cylindrical portion is fitted through an aperture in the frame of the packaging machine 10, and the flange portion is located against the outside of the frame of the packaging machine, with the first controller gasket 112 being located between the bushing 116 and the packaging machine 10.
  • the frame of the packaging machine separates the aseptic environment from the non-aseptic environment.
  • the controller shaft 110 is fitted within the hollowed out cylindrical portion of the bushing 116.
  • the knob 108 is engagingly fitted on one end of the shaft 110, and is fixed to the shaft 110 with a set screw 124.
  • the outer portion of the knob 108 also engages the first controller gasket 112 in a sealing manner.
  • the shaft 110 and the cylindrical portion of the bushing 116 extend inside the aseptic environment of the packaging machine 10.
  • the second controller gasket 114 prevents external contaminants from entering the internal aseptic environment.
  • the second controller gasket 114 is preferably a silicon O-Ring located between the internal diameter of the hollowed out portion of the bushing 116 and the controller shaft 110 within the bushing 116.
  • a portion of the second end of the controller shaft 110 extends beyond an outer limit of the bushing 116 and is connected to the second clutch member 118 with a set screw.
  • the second clutch member 118 has a pin 120 which is adapted to engage the first clutch member 102 to turn the operator shaft 94.
  • the controller assembly 104 is removably connected to the alignment mechanism, and allows an operator to rotate the operator shaft to effectuate rotation of the tracking assembly.
  • the container 28 produced by the form-fill-seal packaging machine 10 having the web tracking assembly 12 is shown in Figure 7 .
  • the container 28 is made from a web of polymeric film material that is formed in the packaging machine.
  • the container 28 has a cavity 126 enclosed by a first wall 128, an opposing second wall 130, and seals 132, 134, 136 about a periphery of the first and second walls 128,130.
  • the longitudinal seal 132 at the top of the container 28 opposes the fold area 138 at the bottom of the container 28.
  • the joined seals 132,134,136 and the fold 138 create a fluid-tight chamber within the cavity 126 of the container 28.
  • a quantity of a pharmaceutical is stored within the fluid-tight chamber 126 of the container 28.
  • the peripheral edge of the first wall 128 and the second wall 130 are located substantially adjacent one another to form the longitudinal seal 132.
  • the container 28 also has a fitment 140.
  • the fitment 140 is connected to the container 28 at the fold area 138, and has a passageway that cooperates with the fluid-tight chamber 126 of the container 28.
  • FIG. 8 a schematic is illustrated of the process for creating a container 28 in an aseptic environment of a form-fill-seal packaging machine 10 having a web centering apparatus 12.
  • the overall process includes providing a web of material in the unwind section 14, and passing the material through a series of subassemblies in the aseptic packaging machine 10 to form the finished container 12 that is filled with the pharmaceutical.
  • the various subassemblies of the packaging machine 10 include the film sterilization section 16, film drying section 17, dancer roller section 18, drive roller section, web centering section 12, forming section 24, fin seal section 25, fitment attaching section 20, filling section 26, end sealing section 30, and delivery section. These subassemblies have been fully disclosed herein.
  • the internal aseptic area of the packaging machine Prior to usage, the internal aseptic area of the packaging machine must be sterilized each day. This is accomplished with a hydrogen peroxide fog which is passed through the aseptic area of the packaging machine. Because of the sterilization process, and the need to maintain an aseptic environment, the present invention, including the sealed off areas specifically for the moving parts is required.
  • the tracking assembly of the present invention can be utilized for larger or smaller size bags.

Landscapes

  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
  • Registering, Tensioning, Guiding Webs, And Rollers Therefor (AREA)
  • Glass Compositions (AREA)
  • Pyridine Compounds (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Claims (19)

  1. Mécanisme de repérage (12) pour une machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) comportant une zone aseptique interne pour former, emplir et sceller un sac, le mécanisme de repérage comprenant :
    un élément de support (40), un ensemble de repérage (36) et un mécanisme d'alignement (38), l'ensemble de repérage (36) comportant un élément de contact (58, 58a, 58b) adapté pour venir au contact de la bande de matériau, dans lequel l'élément de support (40) est relié de manière rotative à l'ensemble de repérage (36), à un angle par rapport à celui-ci, par un élément de mise en prise, dans lequel un élément parmi l'élément de support (40) et l'élément de mise en prise (56) comporte un premier élément de rotation (70) dépendant de celui-ci, et l'autre parmi l'élément de support (40) et l'élément d'engagement (56) comporte un réceptacle conjugué (54), le premier élément de rotation (70) communiquant avec le réceptacle (54) et tournant à l'intérieur de celui-ci, dans lequel une partie des surfaces de prise entre le premier élément de rotation (70) et le réceptacle (54) est étanche par rapport à l'environnement aseptique interne de la machine d'emballage (10), et dans lequel le mécanisme d'alignement (38) est relié à l'ensemble de repérage (36) pour contrôler l'angle de rotation entre l'élément de support (40) et l'ensemble de repérage (36).
  2. Mécanisme de repérage (12) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le premier élément de rotation (70) dépend d'un dessous de l'élément d'engagement (56), le premier élément de rotation (70) venant en prise avec le réceptacle conjugué (54), le premier élément de rotation (70) comportant un élément de retenue (82) fixé à celui-ci pour empêcher le premier élément de rotation (70) de se dégager du réceptacle conjugué (54), et le premier élément de rotation (70) pouvant tourner à l'intérieur du réceptacle conjugué (54).
  3. Mécanisme de repérage (12) selon la revendication 2, comprenant en outre un premier élément d'étanchéité entre l'ensemble de repérage (36) et l'élément de support (40), le premier élément d'étanchéité scellant l'environnement aseptique de la machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller par rapport à une première extrémité du réceptacle conjugué (54).
  4. Mécanisme de repérage (12) selon la revendication 2, comprenant en outre un second élément d'étanchéité adjacent à une seconde extrémité du réceptacle conjugué (54), le second élément d'étanchéité scellant l'environnement aseptique de la machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller par rapport à la seconde extrémité du réceptacle conjugué (54).
  5. Mécanisme de repérage (12) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la première extrémité du réceptacle conjugué (54) crée une zone étanche.
  6. Mécanisme de repérage (12) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un mécanisme d'alignement (38) ayant un premier élément d'alignement (88), un second élément d'alignement (90) fixé à un point sur l'ensemble de repérage (36) et conjugué au premier élément d'alignement à un autre point, et des moyens de manipulation du premier élément d'alignement (88), le mécanisme d'alignement (38) étant adapté pour être contenu à l'intérieur de la zone aseptique de la machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) et le mécanisme d'alignement (38) étant en outre adapté pour être fixé de manière amovible à et scellé par rapport à un contrôleur situé à l'extérieur de la zone aseptique de la machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10).
  7. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) comprenant le dispositif selon la revendication 1.
  8. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle le premier élément de rotation (70) comprend en outre un arbre pivotant (72) dépendant de l'élément de mise en prise (38) du mécanisme de repérage (36), et dans laquelle l'arbre pivotant (72) repose dans une ouverture du réceptacle de l'élément de support (40).
  9. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle l'arbre pivotant (72) est fixé verticalement à l'élément de support (40) par un élément de retenue (82).
  10. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle un premier joint d'étanchéité (80) s'étend entre l'élément de mise en prise (56) et l'élément de support (40) pour sceller une première extrémité du réceptacle (54).
  11. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) selon la revendication 10, comprenant en outre un second élément formant joint d'étanchéité (86) entre l'élément de support (40) et un élément de recouvrement (84) pour sceller une seconde extrémité du réceptacle (54).
  12. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle le dispositif de repérage de bande (12) comprend en outre une surface de support entre l'arbre pivotant (72) et le réceptacle, la surface de support étant scellée de l'environnement aseptique par des joints d'étanchéité (80, 86).
  13. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) selon la revendication 7, comprenant en outre un premier élément formant engrenage (88), un second élément formant engrenage (90) conjugué au premier élément formant engrenage (88), et un arbre d'actionnement (94), dans laquelle le premier élément formant engrenage (88) est relié à l'arbre d'actionnement (94) et il est manipulé par rotation de l'arbre d'actionnement (94), et dans laquelle le second élément formant engrenage (90) est relié à l'ensemble de repérage (36) et il est manipulé par le premier élément formant engrenage (88), la manipulation du second élément formant engrenage (90) provoquant la rotation de l'ensemble de repérage (36).
  14. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle le premier élément formant engrenage (88) est un engrenage à vis sans fin, et dans lequel le second élément formant engrenage (90) est un engrenage cylindrique partiel, avec un rapport d'au moins 100 pour 1.
  15. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) selon la revendication 7, comprenant en outre un support de rouleau (68) s'étendant depuis l'élément d'engagement (56), l'élément de support (40) fixant l'élément formant rouleau (58) à l'élément de mise en prise (56).
  16. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 15, comprenant en outre un ensemble de formation (24) qui forme des sacs à partir d'une bande de matériau, un ensemble de remplissage (26) qui remplit les sacs d'une substance, et un ensemble de scellement (30) qui scelle les sacs pour renfermer la substance à l'intérieur des sacs, chacun parmi l'ensemble de formation (24), l'ensemble de remplissage (26) et l'ensemble de scellage (30) étant positionné à l'intérieur de la zone aseptique interne de la machine d'emballage.
  17. Machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller (10) selon la revendication 16, dans laquelle le dispositif (12) destiné à repérer une bande de matériau pivote sensiblement autour d'une ligne centrale de la machine d'emballage (10), la ligne centrale étant approximativement une ligne centrale de la bande de matériau acheminé dans l'ensemble de formation (24).
  18. Procédé de production d'un récipient (28) destiné à contenir un produit pharmaceutique, utilisant une machine d'emballage à former-emplir-sceller définie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 17, dans lequel le récipient (28) comprend une cavité entourée d'une première paroi (128), une seconde paroi opposée (130), et des joints (132, 134, 136) autour d'une périphérie de la première et de la seconde paroi (128, 130), au moins un des joints (132, 134, 136) reliant une partie intérieure de la première et de la seconde paroi opposées(128, 130) et créant une chambre étanche aux fluides à l'intérieur de la cavité (126) du récipient, dans lequel une certaine quantité du produit pharmaceutique est stockée à l'intérieur de la chambre étanche aux fluides, le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :
    diriger la bande de matériau (10) dans la machine d'emballage (10) au moyen du dispositif de repérage (12) avant de former le récipient (28) dans la machine d'emballage (10), le dispositif de repérage (12) entrant en contact avec la bande de matériau et contrôlant un angle de contact entre le dispositif de repérage (12) et la bande de matériau pour centrer la bande de matériau pénétrant dans la machine d'emballage (10) de telle sorte que les bords périphériques de la première et de la seconde paroi (128, 130) qui forment un des joints (132, 134, 136) du récipient (28) soient positionnés de manière sensiblement adjacente les uns par rapport aux autres.
  19. Procédé selon la revendication 18, dans lequel le récipient (28) comprend en outre un accessoire (140) relié au récipient (28), l'accessoire (140) comportant une voie de passage qui coopère avec la chambre étanche aux fluides du récipient (28).
EP05077166A 2001-04-27 2002-04-26 Système de centrage de bande Expired - Lifetime EP1626021B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/843,540 US6668526B2 (en) 2001-04-27 2001-04-27 Web centering system
EP02729029A EP1381553B1 (fr) 2001-04-27 2002-04-26 Systeme de centrage de bande

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02729029A Division EP1381553B1 (fr) 2001-04-27 2002-04-26 Systeme de centrage de bande

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1626021A2 EP1626021A2 (fr) 2006-02-15
EP1626021A3 EP1626021A3 (fr) 2006-03-01
EP1626021B1 true EP1626021B1 (fr) 2008-06-11

Family

ID=25290309

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02729029A Expired - Lifetime EP1381553B1 (fr) 2001-04-27 2002-04-26 Systeme de centrage de bande
EP05077166A Expired - Lifetime EP1626021B1 (fr) 2001-04-27 2002-04-26 Système de centrage de bande

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02729029A Expired - Lifetime EP1381553B1 (fr) 2001-04-27 2002-04-26 Systeme de centrage de bande

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US6668526B2 (fr)
EP (2) EP1381553B1 (fr)
JP (2) JP4308903B2 (fr)
CN (1) CN1505587A (fr)
AT (2) ATE398099T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2002259046B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2445315C (fr)
DE (2) DE60209893T2 (fr)
ES (2) ES2308374T3 (fr)
MX (1) MXPA03009801A (fr)
WO (1) WO2002088011A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29906582U1 (de) * 1999-04-14 2000-09-21 Langenbach, Guido, 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau Crashschutzvorrichtung
US6955323B2 (en) * 2002-05-14 2005-10-18 Zuiko Corporation Web guider
US6981583B1 (en) 2004-08-03 2006-01-03 Ultra Design And Engineering Llc Fluid operated self centering conveyor roller
US7111724B2 (en) * 2004-08-03 2006-09-26 Ultra Design And Engineering, Llc Fluid operated self aligning roller
KR20080055426A (ko) * 2006-12-15 2008-06-19 엘지전자 주식회사 필름이송용 밸런스편차보정형 롤러장치
JP4520520B2 (ja) * 2007-06-28 2010-08-04 メロディアン株式会社 化粧品及びその製造方法
US8387348B2 (en) * 2009-12-22 2013-03-05 Cryovac, Inc. Aseptic packaging system, packaging process and package with internal fitment
US8375686B2 (en) * 2009-12-22 2013-02-19 Cryovac, Inc. Aseptic packaging system, packaging process and package with external fitment
IT1399922B1 (it) * 2010-05-06 2013-05-09 Tenova Spa Procedimento integrato di controllo, centraggio e regolazione della sciabolatura (camber) del nastro metallico in linee di processo
JP5648254B2 (ja) * 2010-08-09 2015-01-07 株式会社下中電機 長尺シート体のガイド装置
JP5664110B2 (ja) * 2010-10-15 2015-02-04 セイコーエプソン株式会社 ロール紙搬送装置、ロール紙搬送方法及び画像記録装置
TWI392635B (zh) * 2010-11-26 2013-04-11 Ind Tech Res Inst 軟性元件輸送導正裝置與方法
EP3081497B1 (fr) * 2015-04-14 2018-03-14 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA Machine d'emballage et procédé de production d'emballages à partir d'un matériau d'emballage

Family Cites Families (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2821387A (en) * 1954-04-22 1958-01-28 Time Inc Methods and apparatus for varying web sidelay
GB770926A (en) * 1955-01-04 1957-03-27 John Douglas Robertson Improvements in web guiding apparatus
BE757156A (fr) * 1969-10-08 1971-04-07 Ciba Geigy Traitement de fibres et de tissus keratiniques
DE2007569B1 (de) * 1970-02-19 1971-04-22 Erwin Kampf Maschinenfabrik Walzenstuhl zum Auseinanderfuhren von Bandern
US3680446A (en) 1970-04-09 1972-08-01 Hayssen Mfg Co Apparatus for web edge alignment
US4090432A (en) * 1977-02-09 1978-05-23 Hobart Engineering Limited Guiding an elongate sheet of packaging material
US4794750A (en) 1983-09-28 1989-01-03 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Method for making containers having ports
US4695337A (en) 1985-02-01 1987-09-22 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Apparatus and method for attaching a fitment to a web of film
US4630429A (en) 1985-02-01 1986-12-23 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Apparatus and method for sealing a web of film in a form, fill, and seal packaging system
US4708045A (en) 1986-01-13 1987-11-24 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Replaceable knife and holder
FR2598962B1 (fr) 1986-05-21 1988-12-23 Prepac Sarl Conformateur de film souple equipe d'embouts en saillie
FR2599010B1 (fr) 1986-05-21 1989-04-14 Prepac Sarl Dispositif de guidage d'un film souple replie sur lui-meme
US4964944A (en) 1986-07-28 1990-10-23 Baxter International Inc. Apparatus for sealing and severing a web of film
US4761197A (en) 1986-07-28 1988-08-02 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Apparatus for sealing a web of film
US4779397A (en) 1987-03-09 1988-10-25 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Apparatus and method for attaching a fitment to a web of film
US4924655A (en) 1987-06-29 1990-05-15 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Film guide system
US4829746A (en) 1987-07-24 1989-05-16 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Apparatus for placing a web of film under tension
EP0307125B1 (fr) 1987-09-08 1993-02-10 BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC. (a Delaware corporation) Appareil de guidage latéral d'une bande
US5133172A (en) 1989-05-26 1992-07-28 Baxter International Inc. Vertical dancer with constant torque
US5174096A (en) * 1990-10-05 1992-12-29 Ishida Scales Mfg. Co., Ltd. Form-fill-seal type packaging machine
US5347791A (en) 1992-11-05 1994-09-20 Fmc Corporation Computer controlled horizontal wrapper
EP0606731B1 (fr) * 1992-12-25 1997-08-06 ISHIDA CO., Ltd. Dispositif pour la correction de déplacement latéral d'une bande allongée en mouvement
US5558263A (en) * 1994-07-26 1996-09-24 Eastman Kodak Company Apparatus and method for non-contact active tensioning and steering of moving webs
US5833106A (en) 1995-12-05 1998-11-10 The Servants, Inc. Web tension equalizing roll and tracking apparatus
JP3940200B2 (ja) * 1997-04-09 2007-07-04 株式会社イシダ 製袋包装機

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2445315A1 (fr) 2002-11-07
DE60227118D1 (de) 2008-07-24
EP1626021A3 (fr) 2006-03-01
CA2445315C (fr) 2010-03-02
JP2005503974A (ja) 2005-02-10
DE60209893T2 (de) 2006-11-23
WO2002088011A3 (fr) 2003-05-15
ATE320398T1 (de) 2006-04-15
JP4308903B2 (ja) 2009-08-05
DE60209893D1 (de) 2006-05-11
WO2002088011A2 (fr) 2002-11-07
JP2007091475A (ja) 2007-04-12
EP1626021A2 (fr) 2006-02-15
US20020158100A1 (en) 2002-10-31
CN1505587A (zh) 2004-06-16
MXPA03009801A (es) 2004-06-30
ES2260432T3 (es) 2006-11-01
EP1381553A2 (fr) 2004-01-21
ATE398099T1 (de) 2008-07-15
ES2308374T3 (es) 2008-12-01
US6668526B2 (en) 2003-12-30
AU2002259046B2 (en) 2006-02-02
EP1381553B1 (fr) 2006-03-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP2007091475A (ja) ウェブセンタリングシステム
AU2002259046A1 (en) Web centering system
US6397557B1 (en) Packaging machine for producing sealed packages of pourable food products
RU2138429C1 (ru) Упаковочное устройство для непрерывного производства асептично запечатанных упаковок, содержащих выливаемые пищевые продукты, из трубы упаковочного материала
EP0887273B1 (fr) Machine d'emballage pour produire en continu des emballages scellés contenant un produit alimentaire sous forme liquide, dans un matériau d'emballage tubulaire
JP2942769B2 (ja) シール装置
JP3093764B2 (ja) 連続ウェブに担持された可撓性プラスチック袋を充填する装置
KR900006644B1 (ko) 용기의 가로밀봉장치
JP6402262B2 (ja) 包装材料からパッケージを製造するための包装機械および方法
EP3378792B1 (fr) Dispositif de guidage
JP4769500B2 (ja) 注入可能な食品の包装機械用折畳みユニット
JP2744787B2 (ja) 容器を無菌で充填する方法と装置
KR20050046798A (ko) 백에 융접된 튜브를 제조하는 방법과 장치 및 그에 의해제조된 백
JP4965792B2 (ja) 流動性の食品を包装するための機械
EP1215124A1 (fr) Unité d'application d'éléments d'ouverture à des emballages de produits alimentaires liquides
ES2226032T3 (es) Unidad de formacion y cierre hermetico para envasar productos alimentarios vertibles.
JP4584424B2 (ja) 注入可能な食品製品の密封パッケージを連続的に製造するための包装ユニット
JP2003237745A (ja) 流動食品を包装する機械の充填ユニット
MXPA98004799A (en) Unit to transfer and tilt sealed containers containing food products that can be seen
MXPA98004807A (en) Packaging unit to produce continuously sealed containers, containing food products that can be poured, from a container material pipe

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20051006

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 1381553

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

R17C First examination report despatched (corrected)

Effective date: 20061005

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 1381553

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60227118

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20080724

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080611

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080611

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2308374

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080611

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081111

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080611

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20090312

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20090427

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080611

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20090505

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20090423

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20090427

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20100426

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: MC

Payment date: 20100602

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080912

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: V1

Effective date: 20101101

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20100428

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100426

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100430

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20110427

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20110504

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080611

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20110426

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080611

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: EUG

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100426

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20120426

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20121228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120426

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60227118

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20121101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110427

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20131030

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121101